Method, apparatus, and system for adjusting brightness of ultrasound image by using prestored gradation data and images

ABSTRACT

Provided is a method of adjusting brightness of an ultrasound image including: generating at least one first image representing a region of interest (ROI) by using echo signals corresponding to ultrasound waves irradiated toward the ROI; adjusting brightness of the at least one first image based on an external signal for selecting at least one selected from a plurality of prestored gradation data and a plurality of prestored image data; and generating a second image representing the ROI based on the adjusted brightness.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No.10-2014-0038749, filed on Apr. 1, 2014, in the Korean IntellectualProperty Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in itsentirety by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

One or more embodiments of the present invention relate to a method,apparatus, and system for adjusting brightness of an ultrasound image byusing prestored gradation data and images.

2. Description of the Related Art

An ultrasound system is an important diagnostic system because it has awide variety of applications. In particular, the ultrasound system hasbeen widely used in the medical industry due to it being a non-invasiveand non-destructive way to investigate an object. Recently, highperformance ultrasound systems are being used to generatetwo-dimensional (2D) or three-dimensional (3D) images showing theinternal structures of an object.

In order to transmit or receive an ultrasound signal, an ultrasoundsystem generally includes a probe with a wide-band transducer. When thetransducer is electrically stimulated, it produces an ultrasound signaland transmits the ultrasound signal to a human body. The ultrasoundsignal transmitted into the human body is reflected from a boundarybetween tissues inside the human body and returned to the transducer.The returned ultrasound echo signal is then converted into an electricalsignal, and ultrasound image data for obtaining an image of tissue isgenerated by amplifying and signal-processing the electrical signal.

SUMMARY

One or more embodiments of the present invention include a method, anapparatus, and a system for adjusting brightness of an ultrasound imageby using prestored gradation data and image data.

One or more embodiments of the present invention include anon-transitory computer-readable recording medium having recordedthereon a program for executing the method on a computer.

Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description whichfollows and, in part, will be apparent from the description, or may belearned by practice of the presented embodiments.

According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, a methodof adjusting brightness of an ultrasound image includes: generating atleast one first image representing a region of interest (ROI) by usingecho signals corresponding to ultrasound waves irradiated toward theROI; adjusting brightness of the at least one first image based on anexternal signal for selecting at least one selected from a plurality ofprestored gradation data and a plurality of prestored image data; andgenerating a second image representing the ROI based on the adjustedbrightness.

According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, anon-transitory computer-readable recording medium has recorded thereon aprogram for executing the above-described method on a computer.

According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, anapparatus for adjusting brightness of an ultrasound image includes: animage generating unit for generating at least one first imagerepresenting an ROI by using echo signals corresponding to ultrasoundwaves irradiated toward the ROI; a storage unit for storing a pluralityof gradation data or a plurality of image data; and a brightnessadjusting unit for adjusting brightness of the at least one first imagebased on an external signal for selecting at least one selected from theplurality of gradation data and the plurality of image data, wherein theimage generating unit generates a second image representing the ROIbased on the adjusted brightness.

According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, anultrasound diagnostic system includes: a probe that irradiatesultrasound waves toward an ROI of an object and receives echo signalscorresponding to the ultrasound waves; and an image generating apparatusthat generates at least one first image representing the ROI by usingthe echo signals, adjusts brightness of the at least one first imagebased on an external signal for selecting at least one selected from aplurality of prestored gradation data and a plurality of prestored imagedata, and generates a second image representing the ROI based on theadjusted brightness.

As described above, a method, an apparatus, and a system for adjustingbrightness of an ultrasound image according to embodiments of thepresent invention are adapted to adjust brightness of a plurality ofultrasound images in real-time or later by using prestored gradationdata and image data, thereby eliminating a user's inconvenience ofhaving to adjust brightness of one image and then selecting anotherimage and adjusting brightness of the other image. Furthermore, it ispossible to adjust brightnesses of different regions in each of aplurality of images obtained by copying one image, thereby facilitatingcomparison and analysis of the plurality of images.

The method, apparatus, and system for adjusting brightness of anultrasound image are also adapted to prestore preset data (includinggradation data and image data) and update (i.e., add or delete) thepreset data according to user selection, thereby allowing a user toeasily select an optimized degree of brightness for each object.

Furthermore, it is possible to arbitrarily increase or reduce the numberof objects (i.e., brightness adjustment tools) for adjusting brightnessof an ultrasound image or freely change a location where the object isdisplayed, thereby increasing user convenience.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and/or other aspects will become apparent and more readilyappreciated from the following description of the embodiments, taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an ultrasounddiagnostic system according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a configuration of an image generatingapparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a first image according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a first image according to anotherexemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams for explaining adjustment of brightness ofa first image according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining adjustment of brightness of a firstimage according to another exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 7A through 7C are diagrams for explaining examples where an imagedisplay unit changes a region where an object is displayed according toan exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example where an image displayunit displays an ultrasound image (i.e., a first or second image)simultaneously with an object;

FIGS. 9A through 9C are diagrams for explaining another example where animage display unit displays an ultrasound image (i.e., a first or secondimage) simultaneously with an object; and

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a method of adjusting brightness of anultrasound image according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the invention will be described more fully hereinafterwith reference to the accompanying drawings, in which illustrativeembodiments of the invention are shown. It should be understood that theexemplary embodiments described herein should be considered in adescriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. All technicalconcepts that can easily be inferred from the detailed description andembodiments of the present invention by one of ordinary skill in the artshould be construed as being included in the scope of the presentinvention. Expressions such as “at least one of,” when preceding a listof elements, modify the entire list of elements and do not modify theindividual elements of the list.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an ultrasounddiagnostic system 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention.

Referring to FIG. 1, the ultrasound diagnostic system 1 includes a probe10 and an image generating apparatus 20. Although the ultrasounddiagnostic system 1 only includes components related to the presentembodiment, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the artthat the ultrasound diagnostic system 1 may further include other commoncomponents in addition to those illustrated in FIG. 1.

The probe 10 irradiates ultrasound waves toward a region of interest(ROI) 40 of an object 30 and receives echo signals corresponding to theultrasound waves. The probe 10 also transmits the echo signals to animage generating unit 220 in the image generating apparatus 20.

In detail, when transducers (not shown) in the probe 10 transmitultrasound waves to a specific portion inside the object 30, theultrasound waves are partially reflected from layers between differenttissues. In particular, the ultrasound waves may be reflected from anarea of the object 30 where there is a change in density, e.g., fromblood cells within blood plasma or small structures within organs. Thereflected ultrasound waves vibrate the transducers, and the transducersoutput electrical pulses corresponding to the vibrations. The probe 10transmits the electrical pulses to the image generating unit 220.

Here, the object 39 means a subject, e.g., a patient, of which an imageis generated, but is not limited thereto. The ROI 40 means apredetermined region in the object 30, e.g., a lesion tissue, but is notlimited thereto.

The image generating apparatus 20 generates at least one first imagerepresenting the ROI 40 by using echo signals. In this case, the firstimage means an ultrasound image representing the ROI 40. The imagegenerating apparatus 20 also adjusts brightness of the first image basedon an external signal for selecting at least one selected from aplurality of prestored gradation data and a plurality of prestored imagedata and generates a second image representing an ROI based on theadjusted brightness. The image data means data corresponding toinformation contained in an image, and the information includesinformation about brightness of the image. Furthermore, the second imagemeans an ultrasound image representing the ROI 40. The external signalmeans a signal input from outside the image generating apparatus 20. Forexample, the external signal may be input by a user through an inputdevice (not shown) including input elements such as a mouse, a keyboard,and a touch display and software modules for driving the input elements.The image generating apparatus 20 display the first and second images.

The operation of an image generating apparatus 20 will now be describedin more detail with reference to FIGS. 2 through 10.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a configuration of the image generatingapparatus 20 according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention.

Referring to FIG. 2, the image generating apparatus 20 according to thepresent embodiment includes a signal generating unit 210, a brightnessadjusting unit 230, an image generating unit 220, an image display unit240, and a storage unit 250. Although the image generating apparatus 20of FIG. 2 only includes components related to the present embodiment, itwill be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the imagegenerating apparatus 20 may further include common components other thanthose illustrated in FIG. 2.

It will also be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art that theimage display unit 240 may be formed as an independent image displaydevice. In other words, the image display unit 240 may include alloutput devices such as a display panel, a monitor, etc., mounted in theultrasound diagnostic system 1, and software modules for driving theoutput devices.

Furthermore, the signal generating unit 210, the brightness adjustingunit 230, and the image generating unit 220 in the image generatingapparatus 20 may correspond to one or a plurality of processors. Theprocessor(s) may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, ora combination of a universal microprocessor and a memory for storing aprogram that can be executed in the universal microprocessor.Furthermore, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the artthat the processor(s) may be formed using a different type of hardware.

The signal generating unit 210 generates ultrasound signals to betransmitted by the probe 10 to the ROI 40. In detail, the signalgenerating unit 210 generates electrical signals corresponding toultrasound waves to be irradiated by the probe 10 in consideration oflocations of the transducers in the probe 10 and a point at which thetransducers focus ultrasound waves. In this case, the signal generatingunit 210 may generate a plurality of electrical signals by sequentiallyand iteratively producing electrical signals according to a position orsize of the ROI 40. The signal generating unit 210 transmits thegenerated electrical signals to the probe 10 which in turn irradiatesultrasound waves corresponding to the electrical signals toward the ROI40.

The image generating unit 220 generates at least one first imagerepresenting the ROI 40 by using echo signals corresponding to theultrasound waves. In this case, the first image means an ultrasoundimage showing the ROI 40. For example, the first image may be abrightness (B) mode image, a motion (M) mode image, a Doppler modeimage, a color (C) mode image, or an elasticity mode image. The firstimage may be a two-dimensional (2D) or three-dimensional (3D) image.

In detail, the image generating unit 220 produces a digital signal byperforming analog-to-digital conversion on the echo signals (i.e.,electrical pulses) received from the probe 10. The image generating unit220 also creates a focused reception signal by performing receptionbeamforming on the digital signal, and ultrasound data by using thefocused reception signal. The ultrasound data may include a radiofrequency (RF) signal, but is not limited thereto.

The image generating unit 220 also generates a first image showing theROI 40 by using the ultrasound data. In this case, the first imageshowing the ROI 40 may represent shapes and sizes of tissues containedin the ROI 40.

The image display unit 240 displays a first image generated by the imagegenerating unit 220. Although the image display unit 240 is incorporatedinto the image generating apparatus 20, it may be separate from theimage generating apparatus 20. In detail, the image display unit 240includes all output devices such as a display panel, a monitor, etc.,and software modules for driving the output devices.

An example of a first image generated by the image generating unit 220will now be described in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a first image 310 according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of the first image 310 that is generatedby the image generating unit 220 and displayed on the image display unit240. Since ultrasound waves are attenuated as the ultrasound wavespenetrate deeper into tissue, an echo signal reflected from a regionlocated close to a surface of the probe 10 has a different magnitude orphase from that reflected from a region located away from the surface ofthe probe 10. Thus, since a portion in the first image 310 representingthe region located away from the surface of the probe 10 appears dark,the user may have difficulty in analyzing the first image 310.

In the image generating apparatus 20, the brightness adjusting unit 230adjusts brightness of the first image 310 by using prestored gradationdata or image data. The image generating unit 220 generates a secondimage based on the adjusted brightness, and the image display unit 240displays the second image. Thus, the user is able to adjust brightnessof an image of a desired region to a desired level.

In this case, the brightness adjusting unit 230 may adjust thebrightness of a first image based on an external signal for selecting atleast one selected from a plurality of gradation data 320 and aplurality of image data. A method of adjusting brightness of a firstimage, which is performed by the brightness adjusting unit 230, will bedescribed in detail below with reference to FIGS. 5 through 9.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a first image 410 according toanother exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example where a plurality of first images 411through 414 generated by the image generating unit 220 are displayed onthe image display unit 240. In this case, the plurality of first images411 through 414 may be a plurality of copies of the same image or aplurality of different images. For example, although the probe 10repeatedly irradiates ultrasound waves toward the same ROI (40 in FIG.1), received echo signals may have different magnitudes or phases fromone other. Thus, the first images 411 through 414 may be the same as ordifferent from one another.

As described above, the image generating apparatus 20 may display theplurality of first images 411 through 413, thereby allowing a user toadjust brightness of each of the first images 411 through 414 as well asdifferent regions in each of the first images 411 through 414.

Referring back to FIG. 2, the brightness adjusting unit 230 adjustsbrightness of a first image based on the received external signal. Inthis case, the external signal means a signal that is used for selectingat least one selected from a plurality of prestored gradation data and aplurality of prestored image data and is input from outside the imagegenerating apparatus 20. The image data is data corresponding toinformation contained in an image, and the information includesinformation representing brightness of the image. In detail, thebrightness adjusting unit 230 may adjust brightness of the whole or aportion of the first image corresponding to gradation data or image dataselected based on the external signal. For example, the brightnessadjusting unit 230 may adjust brightness of the first image by changinga Time Gain Compensation (TGC) value or a Lateral Gain Compensation(LGC) value of the first image so that the TGC or LGC value of the firstimage is equal to brightness of an image contained in the selectedgradation data or image data.

The storage unit 250 stores a plurality of gradation data and aplurality of image data. Here, the gradation data is data correspondingto gradations represented in images previously generated by the imagegenerating unit 220. The image data is data representing all types ofinformation contained in the previously generated images, and the alltypes of information include information representing brightness of theimages.

As described above, as ultrasound waves irradiated by the probe 10penetrate deeper, the ultrasound waves are attenuated, and the degree ofattenuation varies depending on a location of the ROI 40 and variousconditions such as types of tissues contained in the ROI 40. Thus,gradations represented in images generated by the image generating unit220 may vary from one image to another.

The storage unit 250 stores data corresponding to gradations that arerespectively represented in previously generated images as preset data.The storage unit 250 reads at least one of the stored data based on anexternal signal. Thus, the brightness adjusting unit 230 may adjustbrightness of a first image so that it corresponds to one gradation orbrightness of an image in the preset data, thereby eliminating the needfor a user to manually adjust the brightness of the first image whenevernecessary.

The storage unit 250 may also store data corresponding to brightness ofthe first image as preset data in the form of an image or gradation. Indetail, the storage unit 250 may add data corresponding to thebrightness of the first image to the preset data as gradation data andstore the resulting data. The storage unit 250 may also add data(including data corresponding to the brightness of the first image)corresponding to all types of information contained in the first imageto the preset data as image data and store the resulting data. In otherwords, since it is possible to update (i.e., add or delete) the presetdata stored in the storage unit 250, desired data may be stored for eachuser. The brightness adjusting unit 230 may adjust brightness of animage by using the updated preset data.

The image generating unit 220 generates a second image representing theROI 40 based on brightness obtained by the brightness adjusting unit230. In other words, the first and second images generated by the imagegenerating unit 220 may represent the same ROI 40 but exhibit differentbrightnesses.

For example, the image generating unit 220 amplifies an echo signalreceived from the probe 10 and adjusts a gain of the amplified echosignal. In detail, the image generating unit 220 adjusts a gain of anecho signal based on a TGC or LGC value received from the brightnessadjusting unit 230 and regenerate ultrasound data. The image generatingunit 220 also generates a second image by using the regeneratedultrasound data.

The image display unit 240 displays the first and second imagesgenerated by the image generating unit 220. The image display unit 240may display the first and second images simultaneously on the samescreen, or display them sequentially.

The image display unit 240 also reads a plurality of gradation data anda plurality of image data for adjusting brightness of the first imagefrom the storage unit 250 and displays the plurality of gradation dataand the plurality of image data on a screen. Thus, the user may selectthe degree to which the brightness of the first image will be changed byselecting one of the plurality of gradation data and the plurality ofimage data displayed on the screen.

Furthermore, the image display unit 240 may display at least one objectfor adjusting brightness of the first image. In this case, an object mayrepresent each of the plurality of gradation data and the plurality ofimage data stored in the storage unit 250, or correspond to a digitalTGC or LGC module. The image display unit 240 may display the firstimage and an object on the same screen in an overlapping manner, orchange a region where the object is displayed independently from thefirst image based on an external signal. In addition, the image displayunit 240 may display the object by changing transparency thereof basedon an external signal, or display the object only when an externalsignal for changing a location of the object is received.

A method of adjusting brightness of a first image will now be describedin more detail with reference to FIGS. 5 through 9.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams for explaining adjustment of brightness ofa plurality of first images 511 through 514 according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 5A illustratesan example where the image display unit (240 in FIG. 2) displays theplurality of first images 511 through 514 and a plurality of objects 520for adjusting brightness of the plurality of first images 511 through514.

The objects 520 represent a plurality of gradation data and a pluralityof image data stored in the storage unit 250. For example, the objects520 may include an object representing a gradation that becomesgradually darker from a lower end of an image to an upper end thereof,an object representing a gradation that becomes gradually darker fromthe left side of an image toward the right side thereof, an objectrepresenting a gradation that becomes gradually darker from the rightside of an image toward the left side thereof, and an object 521representing a gradation that becomes gradually darker from an upper endof an image to a lower end thereof. Each of the objects 520 may show ashape of tissue in an ROI of an object, or only indicate brightness ofan image without showing the shape of tissue. Although FIG. 5A showsthat the number of the objects 520 is four (4) for convenience ofexplanation, the number of the objects 520 may vary depending on thenumber of data stored in the storage unit 250 and the number of regionsof which brightness is adjusted.

Based on an external signal for selecting one of a plurality ofgradation data and a plurality of image data, the brightness adjustingunit 230 adjusts brightness of the first image to a level correspondingto the selected data. Here, the external signal is a signal forselecting one of the objects 520 corresponding to the plurality of data,respectively.

For example, if an external signal for selecting the object 521representing the gradation that becomes gradually darker from the upperend of the image to the lower end thereof is received, the brightnessadjusting unit 230 adjusts brightness of one or all of the first images511 through 514 to a brightness level corresponding to the selectedobject 521. In other words, the brightness adjusting unit 230 may adjustbrightnesses of the first images 511 through 514 so that they are equalto or different from one another.

FIG. 5B illustrates an example where the image display unit 240 displaysa plurality of second images 530. The second images 530 may be obtainedby adjusting the brightness of the first images 511 through 514 shown inFIG. 5A to a brightness level corresponding to the selected object 521.

Referring to FIG. 5B, the brightness of the second images 530 isadjusted to have a gradation that becomes gradually darker from an upperend of an image towards a lower end thereof. Although FIG. 5B shows thatthe brightness of all the second images 620 is adjusted to have the samelevel, for convenience of explanation, only brightness of one of thesecond images 530 may be adjusted to a level corresponding to theselected object 521. In other words, based on an external signal forselecting one of the first images 511 through 514 shown in FIG. 5A, thebrightness adjusting unit 230 may adjust only brightness of the selectedfirst image 511 to a level corresponding to the selected object 521.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining adjustment of brightness of firstimages according to another exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention. Referring to FIG. 6, the image display unit (240 in FIG. 2)displays second images 610 (or 611 through 614) and objects 620 (or 621through 624) for adjusting brightness of the first images on separateregions, respectively. In this case, each of the objects 621 through 624corresponds to a digital TGC or LGC module. Although FIG. 6 shows thesecond images 611 through 614 for convenience of explanation, the imagedisplay unit 240 may display the first images before displaying thesecond images 611 through 614.

The image display unit 240 displays the same number of the objects 621through 624 as the first images. For example, if the number of the firstimages displayed on the image display unit 240 is 4, the image displayunit 240 may display the four objects 621 through 624 corresponding tothe first images, respectively. The brightness adjusting unit 230 mayadjust brightness of the first images based on an external signal forchanging a location of each of the objects 621 through 624.

In this case, each of the objects 621 through 624 includes icons foradjusting brightnesses of a plurality regions in each of the firstimages. For example, if each of the first images is partitioned into ten(10) regions, the image display unit 240 may display the objects 621through 624, each including ten icons, so as to adjust brightness ofeach of the ten regions. Here, the number of ions (i.e., the number ofregions in the first image) may be preset in the image generatingapparatus (20 in FIG. 2) or be set by a user through an external signal.

The brightness adjusting unit 230 partitions each of the first imagesinto a plurality of regions based on an external signal, and adjustsbrightness of each of the plurality of regions in the first image. Forexample, if each of the objects 621 through 624 includes ten icons asshown in FIG. 6, the brightness adjusting unit 230 may divide the firstimage into ten regions, and adjust brightness of each of the ten regionsrespectively corresponding to the ten icons based on an external signalfor moving at least one of the ten icons. The image generating unit 220generates the second images 611 through 614, each having the ten regionsof which brightness has been adjusted, and the image display unit 240displays the second images 611 through 614.

For example, if an external signal for moving icons in the object 621for making the first image darker towards the lower end is received, theimage generating unit 220 may generate the second image 611corresponding to positions of the icons, and the image display unit 240may display the generated second image 611.

Furthermore, if an external signal for moving icons of the object 624 sothat a central region of the first image is the brightest is received,the image generating unit 220 may generate the second image 614corresponding to positions of the icons, and the image display unit 240may display the generated second image 614.

As described above, the brightness adjusting unit 230 adjusts brightnessof the first image by partitioning the first image into a pluralityregions, the user may adjust brightness of only a region in the firstimage that the user desires to observe.

Although FIG. 6 illustrates an example where all the objects 621 through624 are displayed on the right side of a screen, the image display unit240 may change a region where the objects 621 through 624 are displayed.An example where the image display unit 240 changes a region where anobject is displayed will now be described in detail with reference toFIG. 7.

FIGS. 7A through 7C are diagrams for explaining examples where the imagedisplay unit 240 changes a region where an object is displayed accordingto an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

An object may be displayed based on an external signal for changing aregion where the object is displayed. For example, as shown in FIG. 7A,the image display unit 240 may display an object on the left side of ascreen based on an external signal for moving the object to the leftside thereof. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 7B, the image display unit240 may display an object on the right side of a screen based on anexternal signal for moving the object to the right side thereof. Inaddition, as shown in FIG. 7C, the image display unit 240 may display anobject at a central region of a screen based on an external signal formoving the object to the center thereof.

Although FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate examples where the objects 520 or 621through 624 are displayed separately from ultrasound images (i.e., thefirst or second images), the image display unit 240 may display anultrasound image and an object on the same screen simultaneously.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example where the image displayunit 240 displays ultrasound images (i.e., first or second images) andcorresponding objects 710, 720, 730, and 740 simultaneously.

Referring to FIG. 8, second images and the objects 710, 720, 730, and740 are displayed on the same screen simultaneously. While FIG. 8 showsthe second images for convenience of explanation, the image display unit240 may display first images before displaying the second images.

For example, the image display unit 240 may display the object 710 at acentral portion of the second image, or the object 720 on the left sideof the second image. Alternatively, the image display unit 240 maydisplay the objects 730 and 740 on the right sides of the second images,respectively. In this case, the image display unit 240 may display theobject 740 on the rightmost side of a screen and the object 730 at aposition between the rightmost side and a central portion of the screen.

FIGS. 9A through 9C are diagrams for explaining another example wherethe image display unit 240 displays an ultrasound image (i.e., a firstor second image) simultaneously with an object. Referring to FIGS. 9Athrough 9C, an ultrasound image and a corresponding object are displayedon the same screen simultaneously. While FIGS. 9A through 9C show secondimages for convenience of explanation, the image display unit 240 maydisplay first images before displaying the second images.

Referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B, the image display unit 240 may displayobjects having sizes larger than those of the second images.Alternatively, referring to FIG. 9C, the image display unit 240 maydisplay an object having the same size as the second image. In thiscase, the objects may be displayed at various positions withoutlimitation, as described above with reference to FIG. 8.

Referring to FIGS. 5 through 9, objects are displayed opaquely. Theimage display unit 240 may display the objects opaquely so that theobjects are separate and distinct from ultrasound images.

Furthermore, the image display unit 240 may display an object based onan external signal for changing transparency of the object. For example,the image display unit 240 may determine transparency of an object basedon an external signal for setting the transparency of the object to avalue between 0% and 100%, and display the object according to thedetermined transparency.

In addition, the image display unit 240 may display an object only whenan external signal for changing a position of the object (i.e., formoving icons contained in the object) is received. Here, the externalsignal for changing the position of the object includes an externalsignal for moving a cursor position on a screen in order to move iconscontained in the object or a touch signal input to a touch screen. Theimage display unit 240 may display the object only when the aboveexternal signal is received, and when the external signal is notreceived, may display only ultrasound images (i.e., first or secondimages).

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a method of adjusting brightness of anultrasound image according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention.

Referring to FIG. 10, the method of adjusting brightness of anultrasound image according to the present embodiment includes operationsperformed sequentially by the ultrasound diagnostic system (1 in FIG. 1)or the image generating apparatus (20 in FIG. 2). Thus, even if omitted,the descriptions with respect to the ultrasound diagnostic system 1 orthe ultrasound generating apparatus 20 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 may beapplied to the method illustrated in FIG. 10.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 10, the image generating unit 220 generatesat least one first image representing the ROI 40 by using echo signalscorresponding to ultrasound waves irradiated toward the ROI 40(Operation 1010).

The brightness adjusting unit 230 adjusts brightness of the first imagebased on an external signal for selecting at least one of a plurality ofprestored gradation data (Operation 1020).

The image generating unit 220 generates a second image representing theROI 40 based on an adjusted brightness (Operation 1030).

The image display unit 240 displays the first and second images(Operation 1040).

The above method according to the embodiment of the present inventioncan be recorded in programs that can be executed on a computer and beimplemented through general purpose digital computers which can run theprograms using a computer-readable recording medium. Data structuresdescribed in the above method can also be recorded on acomputer-readable medium in a variety of ways, with examples of themedium including recording media, such as magnetic storage media (e.g.,read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), universal serial bus(USB), floppy disks, hard disks, etc.) and optical recording media(e.g., CD-ROMs or DVDs).

While one or more embodiments of the present invention have beendescribed with reference to the figures, it will be understood by thoseof ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and detailsmay be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of thepresent invention as defined by the following claims. Thus, theexemplary embodiments described herein should be considered in adescriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. The scope ofthe invention is defined not by the detailed description of theinvention but by the appended claims, and all differences within thescope of the appended claims and their equivalents will be construed asbeing included in the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of adjusting brightness of an ultrasoundimage, the method comprising: generating, by a processor, at least onefirst image representing a region of interest (ROI) by using echosignals corresponding to ultrasound waves irradiated toward the ROI;displaying, by a screen, a plurality of objects each showing a shape ofa tissue in the ROI, the plurality of objects representing preset dataprestored in a memory, wherein the preset data includes a plurality ofimage data corresponding to brightness of previously generated images ora plurality of gradation data corresponding to gradation of thepreviously generated images; receiving, by an input device, a firstexternal signal for selecting a first object from the plurality ofobjects for adjusting brightness of the at least one first image;adjusting brightness of the at least one first image, by the processor,to generate at least one second image, by changing a Time GainCompensation (TGC) value or a Lateral Gain Compensation (LGC) value ofthe at least one first image according to brightness corresponding tothe selected first object; and displaying, by the screen, the at leastone second image.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein in the generating ofthe at least one second image, the brightness of the at least one firstimage is adjusted to a level corresponding to the selected first object.3. The method of claim 1, wherein the preset data comprises datacorresponding to Time Gain Compensation (TGC) values or Lateral GainCompensation (LGC) values of the previously generated images,respectively.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising storing datacorresponding to brightness of the at least one first image as thegradation data.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one firstimage comprises a plurality of images representing the ROI, and whereinin the generating of the at least one second image, adjustingbrightnesses of the plurality of images so that the brightnesses of theplurality of images are equal to one another based on the first externalsignal.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one first imagecomprises a plurality of images representing the ROI, and wherein in thegenerating of the at least one second image, adjusting brightnesses ofthe plurality of images so that the brightnesses of the plurality ofimages are different from one another based on the first externalsignal.
 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising displaying at leastone object for adjusting the brightness of the at least one first image,wherein in the generating of the at least one second image, thebrightness of the at least one first image is adjusted based on anexternal signal for changing a location of the at least one object. 8.The method of claim 7, wherein the object corresponds to a digital TGCor LGC module.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality ofobjects are displayed on the screen as images representing gradationdata or image data, and wherein the displaying the plurality of objectscomprises displaying icons for adjusting brightness of a plurality ofregions in each of the at least one second image in response to a secondexternal signal for moving the icons.
 10. A non-transitorycomputer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program forexecuting: generating at least one first image representing a region ofinterest (ROI) by using echo signals corresponding to ultrasound wavesirradiated toward the ROI; displaying, on a screen, a plurality ofobjects each showing a shape of a tissue in the ROI, the plurality ofobjects representing preset data prestored in a memory, wherein thepreset data includes a plurality of image data corresponding tobrightness of previously generated images or a plurality of gradationdata corresponding to gradation of the previously generated images;receiving a first external signal for selecting a first object from theplurality of objects for adjusting brightness of the at least one firstimage; generating at least one second image by adjusting brightness ofthe at least one first image by changing a Time Gain Compensation (TGC)value or a Lateral Gain Compensation (LGC) value of the at least onefirst image according to brightness corresponding to the selected firstobject; and displaying, on the screen, the at least one second image.11. The non-transitory computer-readable recording medium of claim 10,wherein the plurality of objects are displayed on the screen as imagesrepresenting gradation data or image data, and wherein the displayingthe plurality of objects comprises displaying icons for adjustingbrightness of a plurality of regions in each of the at least one secondimage in response to a second external signal for moving the icons. 12.An apparatus for adjusting brightness of an ultrasound image, theapparatus comprising: memory configured to store preset data including aplurality of image data corresponding to brightness of previouslygenerated images or a plurality of gradation data corresponding togradation of the previously generated images; and a processor configuredto: generate at least one first image representing a region of interest(ROI) by using echo signals corresponding to ultrasound waves irradiatedtoward the ROI, cause a screen to display a plurality of objects eachshowing a shape of a tissue in the ROI, the plurality of objectsrepresenting the preset data stored in the memory, obtain a firstexternal signal for selecting a first object from the plurality ofobjects for adjusting brightness of the at least one first image,corresponding to the selected first object, and cause the screen todisplay the at least one second image.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12,wherein the processor generates the at least one second image byadjusting the at least one first image to a level corresponding to theselected first object.
 14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the presetdata comprises data corresponding to Time Gain Compensation (TGC) valuesor Lateral Gain Compensation (LGC) values of the previously generatedimages, respectively.
 15. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the memorystores data corresponding to brightness of the at least one first imageas the gradation data.
 16. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the atleast one first image comprises a plurality of images representing theROI, and wherein the processor generates the at least one second imageby adjusting brightnesses of the plurality of images so that thebrightnesses of the plurality of images are equal to one another. 17.The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the at least one first imagecomprises a plurality of images representing the ROI, and wherein theprocessor generates the at least one second image by adjustingbrightnesses of the plurality of images so that the brightnesses of theplurality of images are different from one another.
 18. The apparatus ofclaim 12, wherein the plurality of objects are displayed on the screenare images representing gradation data or image data, and the processoris further configured to cause the screen to display icons for adjustingbrightness of a plurality of regions in each of the at least one secondimage in response to a second external signal for moving the icons. 19.An ultrasound diagnostic system comprising: a probe that irradiatesultrasound waves toward a region of interest (ROI) of an object andreceives echo signals corresponding to the ultrasound waves; and memoryconfigured to store preset data including a plurality of image datacorresponding to brightness of previously generated images or aplurality of gradation data corresponding to gradation of the previouslygenerated images; a processor configured to: generate at least one firstimage representing the ROI by using the echo signals, cause a screen todisplay a plurality of objects each showing a shape of a tissue in theROI, the plurality of objects representing the preset data stored in thememory, first external signal for selecting a first object from theplurality of objects for adjusting brightness of the at least one firstimage, and generate at least one second image by adjusting brightness ofthe at least one first image by changing a Time Gain Compensation (TGC)value or a Lateral Gain Compensation (LGC) value of the first imageaccording to brightness corresponding to the selected first object, andcause the screen to display the at least one second image.
 20. Theultrasound diagnostic system of claim 19, wherein the plurality ofobjects are disposed on the screen as images representing gradation dataor image data, and the processor is further configured to cause thescreen to display icons for adjusting brightness of a plurality ofregions in each of the at least one second image in response to a secondexternal signal for moving the icons.